A system of modular chassis structures has simplified the design for mounting a number of printed circuit boards. This design is structurally adaptable to computer and industrial control system applications

Arens, W. E.

Boline, K. G.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

Cover
ut Board
Printed-Circuit Board 
BOTTOM VIEW
i Board 
ctOr 
per 
riug-
May 1964	 Brief 63-10174 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
This NASA Tech Brief is issued by the Technology Utilization Division to acquaint industry 
with the technical content of an innovation derived from the NASA space program. 
Modular Chassis Simplifies Packaging and Interconnecting of Circuit Boards 
The problem: To design a completely modular 
arrangement for mounting a number of printed 
circuit boards. Provisions should be made for increas-
ing or decreasing the size of the system without the 
use of cables, special fittings, castings, or special parts; 
yet without sacrifice of structural rigidity. Individual 
circuit boards should be easily removed and replaced 
to facilitate servicing. 
The solution: A system of modular chassis struc-
tures. 
How it's done: As shown in the isometric drawing 
of two sections of a chassis configuration, slotted rack
members make up the sides and ends of a boxlike 
structure. Each of the racks is provided with an inter-
locking joint, which is reinforced by corner blocks 
providing structural rigidity for the assembly. The 
two blocks at each corner of the box are drawn up 
tight by an assembly bolt which is threaded to mate 
with the lower block. The printed-circuit plug-in 
boards are slipped into the slots in the racks and 
interconnected by short jumper wires between fixed 
terminals on the printed circuit boards and connectors. 
Jumpers are used to interconnect one modular chassis 
to another. A plate covers the top of each module 
after the circuit boards have been assembled in the 
racks.
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of he National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States Govern. 
men, nor NASA, nor any person acting on behalf of NASA: A. Makes 
any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the 
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in
this document, or that the use of any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document may not infringe privately-owned 
rights; or B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for 
damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19630000018 2020-03-11T16:45:03+00:00Z
Notes 
1. Two lengths of racks are provided to permit the 
assembly of a chassis with either a square or a 
rectangular configuration. 
2. The input and output leads can be positioned in 
any number of available places. 
3. The modular design is structurally adaptable to 
most applications, including computers and indus-
trial control systems, where plug-in boards are 
employed.
4. For further information about this innovation 
inquiries may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Jet Propulsion Laboratory 
4800 Oak Grove Drive 
Pasadena, California 91103 
Reference: B63-10174 
Patent status: NASA encourages commercial use 
of this innovation. No patent action is contemplated. 
Source: Wayne E. Arens and Kenneth G. Boline 
(J PL-236A) 
Brief 63-10174


Modular chassis simplifies packaging and interconnecting of circuit boards

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

NASA Technical Reports Server